The clocks have gone forward and summer’s just round the corner. It’s still not quite festival season though, which means you’ll need gigs drip-fed to you throughout the month to keep you satiated. Well, we got yo’ back. Here are five Bristol gigs to keep an eye out for in April.

1. Wednesday 2nd April – Vigo Thieves – Thekla – £6 (…or £4… or even free)

Scottish quintet Vigo Thieves travel south early in the month to treat us to an energetic set of hard hitting synth-pop anthems. The band are the only unsigned artists to sell out two consecutive dates at King Tut’s in Scotland and recent sets have included pyrotechnics and glitter cannons, adding to our expectations. Tweet support band Fjords for cheap entry, or give us your email address and win these two tickets.

2. Thursday 10th April – Forest Swords – Thekla – £10

Electronic producer Matthew Barnes takes to Thekla’s stage under his alias Forest Swords on the 10th to treat us to his haunting mix of electro samples and atmospheric drones. His music incorporates elements of hip-hop, rock and (dare we say it?) RnB to create something truly mesmerising.

3. Friday 11th April – Sky Larkin – The Old Bookshop – £7

It’s back to tried and trusted indie rock for our third gig pick of the month, as Sky Larkin make an appearance at Bedminster’s The Old Bookshop. The band have toured the world and shared stages with Los Campesions!, Wild Beasts and various other big names, so how the North Street boozer has managed to book em is as yet unclear. Get your tickets for this one in early, it’s likely to be a sell out.

4. Saturday 19th April – Patten – The Old Crown Courts – £8

Bristol-based record label Howling Owl are throwing another of their legendary events at The Old Crown Courts on the 19th… and it’s gonna be a stormer. Alongside sets from Giant Swan, Young Male & Kayla Painter, patrons will be treated to a headline set from Patten, whose eerie beats penetrate souls and strike at something deep within. The event goes on til 5am – so his set, complete with full AV show, will be just what you’re looking for.

5. Saturday 26th April – Little Matador – Louisiana – £6 adv

Raw, aggressive, gritty and reckless; it’s crazy to think this band have anything to do with Snow Patrol. But Little Matador are in fact the latest musical venture from guitarist Nathan Connolly, and just because you’ve given some of his previous stuff to your mum for her birthday, it doesn’t mean you should avoid his new project at all costs. Catch them at the end of the month, with support from Saona.

Any more? What should we be checking out? As always let us know, info@bristolbeatsclub.com.